Nekresi Monastery: A Kakhetian Spiritual Citadel
Explore Nekresi Monastery: A historic Georgian spiritual center with stunning architecture and panoramic views of the Alazani Valley.
Nestled in the Kakheti region of Georgia, Nekresi Monastery is an ancient complex with roots stretching back to the 4th century AD. Founded by St. Abibos Nekreseli, one of the Assyrian Fathers, it stands as a testament to early Georgian Christian architecture and the region's rich religious history.
A brief summary to Nekresi
- Nekresi Monastery Road, GE
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 3 pm-5:30 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Dress modestly when visiting the monastery; women should wear a headscarf and skirt, and men should avoid shorts.
- Consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as the monastery is located on a hilltop.
- Take the shuttle bus from the parking lot to the monastery entrance, as personal vehicles are restricted from driving all the way up.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Tbilisi, take a minibus from Ortachala Bus Station to Kvareli. Minibuses run frequently and the journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. From Kvareli, you can hire a taxi to the base of Nekresi Monastery. From the parking lot, a shuttle bus (marshrutka) is available to take you up the hill to the monastery for a small fee (approximately 1 GEL return trip), operating from mid-April to mid-December. Alternatively, you can walk up the steep path in about 20 minutes.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Tbilisi and can take you directly to Nekresi Monastery. The journey is approximately 140 km and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Negotiate the fare with the driver in advance. From the parking lot at the base of the hill, a shuttle bus (marshrutka) is available to take you up to the monastery for 1 GEL (round trip). You can also walk up the steep path in about 20 minutes.
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Driving
From Tbilisi, take the Kakheti Highway to Telavi, then follow the signs to Kvareli and Nekresi. The drive is approximately 140 km and takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Be aware of possible roadworks on the Gombori Pass, which may add 30-45 minutes to the journey. Parking is available at the base of the hill leading up to the monastery. From the parking lot, a shuttle bus (marshrutka) is available for 1 GEL (return trip). Walking up the steep path takes about 20 minutes.
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